This comes direct from the Yarra Valley in Victoria, Australia. Norm and I were fortunate to visit there in February. Australia is just coming into its Spring season, so the Yarra Valley Conference Centre is ready with it’s new spring menu in it’s restaurant, Bundt Road.

Duck Entree from Bundt Road

Warm Duck and watercress salad on herb blinis with pickled fresh beetroot

Ingredients:

1lge beetroot

1/2 cup white balsamic

1/2 cup olive oil

1 tspn salt

pinch pepper

1 cup milk

1 egg

1 cup s.r flour

1/4 cup basil/parsley/chives chopped

2 duck breasts, watercress

Balsamic Glaze

SERVES 4

Boil beetroot ’till tender – cool & peel.

Cut 4 discs into 8mm thick slices with round cutter the size of an egg ring.

Marinate in vinegar & oil & season ( can be marinated for days)

Blinis Add egg to s.r flour with herbs and 3 tspns of olive oil, 1/2 tspn of salt and 1 cup milk – mix to smooth batter.
Place 4 egg rings in heavy based pan with some oil. Spray rings.
Heat pan – when hot pour batter to 2/3 full.

When bubbles form on top, turn over and cook further 2 mins.

Duck – Season breast (be generous).

Pan fry skin side down until golden.

Place pan in 210 degree oven for 14 mins. Remove & rest for 5 mins.

Plating

Garnish plate with cherry tomatoes and sprinkle with mustard cress.

Place Blinis in centre, add beetroot slice, next add some watercress.
Cut 4 slices of du
ck from each breast and place 2 slices on each and serve.

Drizzle Balsamic glaze over the dish and serve.

Accompanying Wine: Punt Road Pinot Noir

A bright red colour with an aromatic bouquet of dark cherry, spice and some earthiness. The palate is vibrant yet still restrained and elegant with flavors of red berry and spice leading to long fine tannins of the finish.

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Yarra Valley Conference Centre
2164 Melba Highway, Dixon Creek
via Yarra Glen Victoria 3775 Australia
Phone: +61 (3) 5965 2397
Fax:     +61 (3) 5965 2025
Website: www.yarravalleyconference.com.au

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Maralyn D. Hill, President

International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association

NoraLyn
Member: Society of Professional Journalists

Maralyn
Author: Maralyn

Maralyn Dennis Hill, The Epicurean Explorer, is president emeritus of International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association, member of Society of American Travel Writers, and Society of Professional Journalists. She is Executive Editor of Luxe Beat Magazine and contributes to other publications. She also speaks and is a guest on many shows. The majority of Maralyn’s articles are now geared to the luxury market, spas, corporate retreats, business events, and culinary tourism, from simple to gourmet. Maralyn’s description of herself: I was born to travel and tell the tale. I’m energized by different cultures in every aspect of their lives, from food, wine, and destination, to how they conduct business. Travel represents a continual geography lesson.